John Liu denied public funds by NYC campaign board

The New York City Campaign Finance Board on Monday denied public matching funds for Comptroller John Liu, dealing a severe financial blow to the Democrat's campaign to become New York City's first Asian-American mayor.

His lawyer said an appeal is planned.

"The evidence suggests that the potential violations are serious and pervasive across campaign's fundraising," the board said in a statement read at the hearing. The board said it had received "substantial evidence" of wrongdoings, including straw donors.

Liu, an actuary with a bachelor's degree in mathematical physics, has said his campaign has complied with all requirements.

Liu has had to contend with the recent convictions of a former campaign worker and a former fundraiser on charges of scheming to circumvent donation limits. The candidate was never charged with any wrongdoing, but the case racked up enormous legal fees for his campaign and, in his own estimation, has affected his image.

"I have a new nickname: 'the embattled comptroller,'" he once said at a rally. "Well, let me say this: I am ready, willing and able to go into battle for what I think is right for the city of New York."

His lawyer, Martin Connor, told the board before its unanimous decision that it's no secret there were problems in his 2011 campaign. But "sometimes where there's smoke, there's smoke. No fire," he said.

He said that accepting last week's recommendation by board staff to deny public matching funds would amount to "the death penalty for a minor transgression."

Liu had raised approximately $3.4 million, less than most of his major Democratic rivals. But because he has the most number of small contributions, he was eligible to receive the most in matching funds, approximately $3.5 million. Candidates in the program agree to a spending cap.

Liu is currently placing fifth in most Democratic primary polls, trailing City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, ex-comptroller Bill Thompson and former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner. The other candidates have steadfastly declined to comment on Liu's controversy.